The calls made by United Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) for Shamsul Azhar Abbas (pic) resigns as president of Petronas begins to smell fish, especially when the nation is preparing for the 13th general elections.

Shamsul, appointed by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak two years ago has been blamed for not opening up the oil conglomerate to more Bumiputera participation, an allegation he already denied many times.

MTEM, led by chairman Syed Ali Alatas had a 2-hour discussion with Petronas' top level management on Wednesday and the company promised to 'look into the matter'. Syed Ali said, the demand stays.

On February 2, MTEM, an umbrella body of 63 Malay business groups, had called on Shamsul to quit the state oil company's board before Election 2013, claiming Petronas had failed to protect Bumiputera interests and instead given priority to foreign firms.It further accused the Petronas chairman of sidelining Bumiputera companies, including those that were qualified, when it dished out contracts for its projects.The council alleged that Petronas's cash flow had dwindled to RM162.2 billion, a drop of RM2.1 billion, and that profit after tax showed a downward trend that included closing down operations in Sudan.MTEM expressed concern that Malaysia's only Fortune 500 company would be gambling its valuation risk worth RM300 billion over the next five years.Syed Ali said today the council would submit tomorrow (Friday) a letter demanding confirmation that Petronas would respect the negotiations made in yesterday's meeting."Its just a formality. I don't think there would be any problems for Petronas to reply within a week," he said.MTEM chief executive Mohd Nizam Mahshar speaking at the same press conference said the council is now in the process of gathering feedbacks before it tables the issues in a meeting with Petronas at a date yet to be determined...

Nizam himself was a bit considerate by saying MTEM will get evidence, data and feedback about all allegation made against Petronas and its president.

Until all tangible evidence and data are collected, such a call remains to be a subject of prejudice and unjustified.

However, Syed Ali remained uncompromising, and this has raised question as to whether he carried someone's instruction to scrutinise Shamsul and Petronas at a time when Barisan Nasional's strategy for the general elections, among others is to woo more Malay/Bumiputera votes and support.

What actually drives him, is only a guessing game but the timing is not very collaborative. I am not saying its wrong to dig out discrepancies and irregularities at our GLCs or government agencies but we should well look into its impact of the upcoming national poll on Barisan Nasional.

In fact MTEM gets more louder of late in making such a demand.

Does Syed Ali realise that there are other GLC and government agencies that sidelined Bumiputera entrepreneurs. Even a ministry under a non-Umno minister awarded less than 10 per cent of its projects to Bumiputeras.

In making this clarification, I am cautious and take cognisance of the high level of confidential discussions that took place initially between PKR on Nov 1, 2013, and the subsequent meetings with the top Pakatan Rakyat leaders that are still continuing. However, we are disappointed that those confidential discussions could be leaked and we believe there is a sinister motive behind this by irresponsible parties to break any possible co-operation between Hindraf and Pakatan.

On behalf of Hindraf, I made the proposal for Hindraf to contest against all MIC-held seats as part of our contribution to bringing about political and social change in Malaysia. This proposal was made from the very beginning of our meeting with Anwar Ibrahim. We made it clear to him that this request for strategic partnership was made to cater to the voice of the poor and underclass Indian Malaysians, whose voice has never been heard in Parliament. It was agreed between the parties that further talks should be held on this electoral pact.

In the last general election, Hindraf was instrumental in bringing about the following:

Breaking the much acclaimed "fixed deposit" Indian votes and delivering that wholesale to the opposition candidates;

Contributing to the loss of job of a prime minister who unprecedentedly had to leave office as a result of BN's loss of its two-thirds mandate in Parliament;

Contributing to the unprecedented loss of the ruling government's two-thirds majority in Parliament; and

Being instrumental in the opposition coalition gaining an extra five states.

Our proposal to contest in seven Parliament and 10 state seats was made after consultation with various parties and in this we have the mandate of the Indian underclass that we represent. Their voices need to be heard in the legislative bodies. Their rights and interests have to be taken into account in formulating the various policies in this country. It'll be the most bitterly fought electionThis 13th general election is going to be the most bitterly fought election in Malaysian history and it is important for Hindraf to be part of that history.

In proposing to contest seven parliamentary and 10 state seats, we made it clear that it was negotiable and that we would never ask for any seat currently held by incumbent Pakatan leaders. Our negotiations for seats were conditional upon Pakatan Rakyat endorsing the Hindraf blueprint. In the meeting with Pakatan leadership on Feb 6, we made it clear to the chair of the meeting that seat discussions were secondary and that our primary concern and goal were to get Pakatan to endorse our proposed blueprint.

However, we were willing to make any adjustment to the wordings, language or any matter in the blueprint that was of concern to the Pakatan leadership. On Feb 9, 2013, we declared openly, through media statements, that we were willing to mobilise thousands of Hindraf volunteers to campaign for Pakatan should Pakatan endorse the Hindraf blueprint. Our main concern is to bring the marginalised Indians into the mainstream of national development. We are probably in the last 30 days before the general election. Parliament may be dissolved anytime now.

Pakatan has to quickly make a decision as many grassroots Indians want to know its stand before making up their minds. Our nationwide roadshows are continuing and the Hindraf leaders in seven states are meeting thousands of people weekly. MalaysiakiniP WAYTHA MOORTHY is chairperson of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).

VOXPOP 'I am not condoning Patrick Teoh's statement on Facebook, but he certainly didn't ask for the Quran to be burnt.'

Police record Patrick Teoh's statement over FB rantOpah: Radio personality Patrick Teoh was ranting about the actions of the Kedah government rather than Islam per se. An innocent but naughty personality faces jail just because it's election time.I Vote For ABU!: This is another fine example of 1Malaysia justice. I am not condoning Teoh's statement on Facebook, but he certainly didn't ask for the Quran to be burnt. Where's the action against those individuals who called for the Bible to be burnt?Ubah lan: First, go punish Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali for inciting religious hatred. If you can't, the police and the BN government have failed to uphold the same section of the law they are imposing on Teoh. Shameful creatures. It will reflect badly on your fellow Muslims too.Anonymous #58458950: Worse things have been uttered and published in the press. Ibrahim himself can take credit for many of them. Why persecute a poor ex-radio deejay? Hang in there Teoh!Argonist: Only more hatred will be pouring into the country's institutions by this blatant show of selective persecution. Anyone who believes in this government for a fair share of justice is not only deluding himself but is being culpable for the indignity of life for their children and future generations of Malaysians.Little Hantu: Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, should stern measures be taken against Ibrahim for asking for the Bible to be burnt?

Gods Messenger: KJ must ask the police to rope in the Perkasa chief for all the racist and seditious words he had stated currently and in the past. Why must there be double standards? If you are a true Malaysian, do it and show that you are a fair parliamentarian.Guna Otak Sikit: Well, this is 1Malaysia for you. Some actions, no matter how seditious, never warrant any action from the police. But some other actions will attract immediate attention. You just need to know which side is doing the talking. What a joke. Long live Ibrahim, you are really untouchable despite your provocative action in calling for the burning of the Bible.Kgen: Apparently the law doesn't apply to Ibrahim.

Armageddon: Ibrahim called for the Bible to be burnt, but till now nothing has happened. We demand the same action against Ibrahim and we don't recall Ibrahim apologising for what he said.Anonymous #13268827: Wait a minute, did the police say posting on the Facebook? Is it a global domain or Malaysian domain?Jstom: The followers reflect the 'God' they believe in. Those who believe in corruption to enrich themselves, practice racialism, cronyism, cheating, bribery and all the evil under the sun cannot be the followers of the Almighty God the Supreme Being that true god-fearing people follow.Artong Penang: According to Section 298A of the Penal Code, it was enacted to prevent citizens from causing disharmony, hatred or ill-will, etc, on grounds of race and religion. Why is it that this law is not applied on Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa, who have repeatedly incited racial and religious hatred? The answer is obvious.

Masu Otaku: Section 298A of the Penal Code is a perfect fit for Ibrahim and his Perkasa gangsters.CQ Muar: Expect the rakyat to vote for BN? What kind of logic are we talking about and what do they take us for? So many scandals surrounding BN and its leaders, cronies and even the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), etc, and yet no action is being taken against them. Now they try to nail my favourite DJ over a remark (for which he has apologised)? Vote for BN over my dead body.Nil: Anyone remember the offending post? I doubt it was offending if seen in the then circumstances and not taken out of context. Sometimes, some profanity is necessary to get the message across and in any case, far milder than the call to the burn bibles or refer to fellow citizens as pendatangs.Louis: If you can't put Ibrahim behind bars for a threat which is of the same nature, how can you do that to Teoh who had apologised the moment he realised his mistake? Ibrahim and Jati chief Hasan Ali are still free. Please do not practice double standards.Lim Chong Leong: You can insult me but I cannot insult you. Is that Islamic?The Mask: What about Ibrahim Ali asking for the burning of the Bible? What about Ibrahim Ali asking for the burning of the Bible? What about Ibrahim Ali asking for the burning of the Bible? What about Ibrahim Ali asking for the burning of the Bible? The rakyat is still waiting for action. MalaysiakiniThe above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.

PARIS, Feb 12 — The camera zooms in on a stubble-bearded hunk dragging on a cigarette and blowing out a thick cloud of smoke with what seems to be great satisfaction.

It resembles the TV smoking ads of yesteryear, now banned in most of the world, yet this modern-day offering is approved for American television viewers.

"You know what the most amazing thing about this cigarette is? It isn't one," explains a narrator as the modern-day Marlboro Man fixes the viewer with a broody stare before returning the reusable smoke to a container that resembles the traditional pocket-sized cardboard pack.

The NJOY "cigarette" is electronic — its tip lights up with the help of an LED and what appears to be smoke is actually water vapour.

The actor is not smoking, but "vaping".

"Cigarettes, you have met your match," proclaims the ad for a product that claims to mimic "the look, feel and flavour of the real thing" — minus the tar, ash, smoke and most toxins.

NJOY is one of a flurry of e-cigs entering the market as tobacco prices skyrocket and smokers become ever more concerned about the toxins they inhale.

"They deliver nicotine, with only the tiniest traces of other toxic chemicals."

But there are concerns that these battery-driven alternatives, officially called electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), may pose health hazards we are not even aware of yet — just like cigarettes before their ill-effects became clear.

NJOY chief executive Craig Weiss told AFP that industry predictions are for electronic cigarette sales, which have doubled in the United States every year since 2008, to reach $1 billion (about 750,000 euros) in 2013.

"Growth in the category has occurred as a result of the millions of smokers who are actively seeking an alternative to cigarettes," he said by email.

The company would not comment on the health aspects.

According to Nitzkin, the hazard posed by traditional tobacco cigarettes is about 100 times higher than today's smokeless tobacco alternatives.

"When burned, cigarettes create a tarry residue that sticks to the inside of the smallest bronchial tubes of the lungs and in the alveoli, where the body absorbs the oxygen and releases the carbon dioxide.

"This tarry residue stays in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the life of the smoker," he said — a side-effect that ENDS do not have.

Yet the European Respiratory Society said this month it could not classify e-cigs as a safe alternative to smoking, and stressed the principle that tobacco users "should not trade one carcinogenic product for another."

Last month, the UK's Advertising Standards Authority banned an ad for an e-cigarette, Nicolites, saying: "claims that the product was not harmful had not been substantiated".

Some researchers have also expressed concerns that non-smokers may get hooked on nicotine through e-cigarette use, or that the gadget would keep people addicted to nicotine who might otherwise have quit.

Nicotine can be harmful to children, pregnant women and adults with heart disease.

A recent study among 3,400 high school pupils in France showed that 12 per cent of 15-to-16-year-olds who claimed never to have smoked before had experimented with ENDS, and 19 per cent of 17-year-olds.

"But I would not interfere with a smoker who wants to take it up. With a cigarette, there is a 50 perc ent chance of killing oneself. With the electronic cigarette, we aren't too sure yet, but it is probably less," he said. — AFP-Relaxnews

I believe my beloved Tiger (West Highland Terrier) is one of the smartest, cutest, lovable dogs in the world. :-)

Take a look at Tiger looking at me when I was driving...He is the most manja dog I know!!!

The day after my accident, Tiger refused to eat. He just sat beside me, looking so worried.

This was Tiger's reaction when he first met my older boy last week.

Seriously, I believe Tiger is very smart. One of my friends who visited me a fortnight ago, showed disdain at my doorstep. Then I asked her, "Do you like dogs?"

With much aplomp, she declared, "I do NOT like dogs at all."

My Tiger does not bark at visitors but once he heard that person declare her dislike for dogs, Tiger barked at her on the three occasions when she visited us - the first time she popped by after we adopted Tiger, once to deliver CNY goodies and another time on the third day of CNY.

Just a few nights ago, I was enjoying my dark chocolate bar and reading a book in the kitchen. Suddenly, Tiger jumped on his chair, leapt on the dining table (something he is NOT allowed to do) and came close. I thought he was going to lick my face but he was actually trying to sniff and guess what I was eating! I called my husband, "Daddy!!! Come and see what Tiger is doing!"

At my cry, he stiffened as his ears cocked up and he turned his head towards the stairs as though to see if my husband would come downstairs. When he heard the bedroom door creak, he quickly sat down on the dining table and did not bat an eyelid!

By the time my husband entered the kitchen, Tiger acted nonchalantly as though he had been up to no mischief and had been behaving himself! Then he sat down in his roast piglet position and acted so innocently. :-)

This morning, I surfed the net to discover the ranking of West Highland terriers.

Sadly, it is not listed as amongst the top ten most intelligent dogs...I doth protest!!!!

The smartest dog is the Border Collie whereas the Afghan Hound is supposedly the dumbest (#100) according to this site.

West Highland White Terriers are one of the most attractive of the Terrier breeds. They have always been an all-white breed. This breed has a very sharp, intelligent look. Westies have a topcoat and a thick undercoat. Westies have erect ears, short legs, and a chunky body. They have a domed skull with dark, widely spread apart eyes.

The pointed erect ears are natural, not altered. The short tail is natural, not docked.

Origin of Country

Scotland

General Character and Temperament

West Highland White Terriers are among the most charming, loyal, affectionate, and intelligent dogs of the terrier family. They are a small breed, seldom growing to over 22 lbs. Our Westies range from 14-21 pounds. Westies are extremely active and playful, with puppy-like characteristics carried over into maturity. They will announce all visitors with a bark, but seldom become vicious. Westies are quite sociable, and the most cheerful of Scotland's terriers, having a pronounced optimistic outlook on life. They have the endurance of a much larger dog and owners need not pamper them or carry them home from a long walk. Originally bred for chasing down vermin, Westies make excellent companion dogs. They love their power hugs, but never sit still for long. Their bright and inquisitive nature is a delight to behold. The Westie is outgoing and friendly.

Sociability

Somewhat pugnacious around strange dogs and small animals, the Westie is generally sociable with friendly dogs and family cats, but this little dog with the big attitude isn't likely to be intimidated by the barking of the neighbor's Great Dane. A Westie will not back down from any dog. Socialization should begin early as a pup.

Grooming

A Westie's hard dry coat requires grooming on a regular basis and most look forward to the attention of brushing, and haircuts. Westie skin tends to be drier than that of most dogs, which is why they have very little doggy odor. Westies are white as their name indicates. Wheaten color along the dorsal stripe in early puppyhood usually disappears with maturity and some darker hair on the muzzle and around the eyes is not uncommon. The breed standard calls for a double coat with wiry straight outer coat and a soft undercoat. Introduce your puppy to grooming as early as possible and follow the standard for Westie grooming for best results. Hand stripping is usually done for show dogs. We do not clipper groom our Westies because it causes the coat to become softer and sometimes wavy as the top hair grows out. We use a Mars Coat King which we have found over the years to be a great way to groom your Westie...

Westies shed very little! Some say they are non-shedding. If you compare them to a Lab, that is true. The truth is, they do shed a little! If you brush out your Westie daily (3 minutes) you will have very little shedding.

Under the present serious 'pollution' faced by BN, there are ways we can get to woo priceless votes.In my opinion, one effective way is to make sure that if the majority of voters for the particular area comprises of eg Malays, then a Malay BN candidate should stand for elections in the PRU 13.

We Malays are the main voters nation wide. Taking advantage of the sentiments of the voters of the area must not be disregarded.

Imagine the stress when during religious programmes in masjids and suraus, the YB is a non Muslim.Ajak tak kena tak ajak kata tak ikut law.The emotional pressure on Malay voters are generally not uttered but they know they have to look like fools to exhibit their obedience to the party leadership."What to do, no choice"..

MCA and MIC and other BN partners must acknowledge that the Malay votes are more than theirs.They must not harp and squabble over more seats...in fact they must give up some to save the coalition from losing precious Malay votes.The issue now is to make tremendous sacrifices.

Where the voters are mainly non Muslims, then BN should give the seats to the component parties concerned.Majority of Indian voters, by all means..choose an Indian candidate.

This method is not about being racist.It's about not forcing voters to choose half heartedly, a candidate whose religious beliefs can clash with the needs and best interests of the race of the voters in the area.

Look at Kelantan..the majority of voters are Malays.PAS complies with the psychological needs of its dominant voters.They make available only Malay candidates to stand for elections.

PR will never dare put a non Muslim Malay there.That'll be suicidal.

Though BN have component parties to please,I suggest that to capture the bulk of Malay voters to gravitate to BN, is to field Malay candidates in identified areas where the percentage of Malay voters are higher comparatively.

The component parties must now show their undivided loyalty and appreciation to BN and ensure BN wins a stunningly strong 2/3 victory in the PRU 13.Jealousy, anger and greed must be cast aside.

I know it's a bitter and difficult medicine to swallow..Power sharing means having to give and take...in this case, BN partners got to start giving..They have to make some vital adjustments with regards to their agreement for this PRU 13.

BN's component parties must vacuum hot goreng pisang Malay votes to help BN win.It's a first time and a crazy idea but it is not a crime to try.Yes it does sound obnoxious..but why not?

As for DSRM with the bomoh issue, I can only say that if it's true or not, it doesn't matter.Datin Seri loves her husband..most wives do.If she needs a bomoh to tame his wild ways or block other ruthless women from stealing her handsome husband's affections, it is a show of love.

To say it's sinful or otherwise, that is between her and Allah SWT.Many women go to the bomohs to keep their marriage intact..However with so many not cheeky and devoted husbands around, there are those lucky women not guilty of dabbling in such activities..thank God..I went to one..the lime bathing for him didn't work..^_^

Bomohs play a prominent role in the lives of a huge number of politicians.Whether in a small or big way, they are always sought after.Ask all the politicians..ask Tun Mahathir, ask DSAI, ask the host of other top ranking leaders..That's why there are the Malay, Siam, Hindu, Chinese and Indon bomohs smiling around..and making big bucks!

"If you dance with the devil, the devil don't change. The devil changes you" - Max California (8MM)COMMENT Right-thinking Malaysians should be aware that there are two points of disagreement that the Hindraf leadership has - the first with Pakatan Rakyat and the seat allocation controversy and the second, with Malaysiakini's coverage on the breakdown of talks.

The first point with regard to Hindraf's 'demands' that it be given seats as the cause of the breakdown of talks is rejected emphatically by P Waythamoorthy, whom I spoke to yesterday. According to the Hindraf leader, yes, there was talk of seats but it was never a pre-condition for Hindraf to support Pakatan. The only condition or perhaps more accurately, the main condition, was Pakatan endorsing the Hindraf blueprint. As to the parliamentary seats in question, Hindraf made it very clear that it would not contest against Pakatan incumbents but would like a straight fight against MIC candidates.

Hindraf proposed that they should battle for four seats which were held by the MIC and the remaining three would be decided by Pakatan leadership. As for the 10 state seats, the same formula would apply. Hindraf is adamant that this was not a pre-condition to Hindraf supporting Pakatan and these were confidential talks between Pakatan and Hindraf, with nothing set in stone. Right-thinking Malaysians should bear in mind that the idea that the talks between Hindraf and Pakatan are breaking down because Hindraf is demanding seats is political spin. The most important condition has always been the Hindraf blueprint.

Furthermore, Hindraf made it clear that it wanted no funds (from Pakatan) for its vast network of volunteers who were willing to work for Pakatan in the coming general election. This was a form of ABUism (Anything But Umnoism) at work.Highly confidential talks

It is regrettable that Pakatan has chosen to spin these highly confidential talks to further demonise a prospective ally with the old canard that 'Indians' are demanding and ungrateful. Although I am on record as far as my belief that Hindraf should play the role of an activist lobby, I abhor the propaganda that attempts to vilify them and the breaking of confidence that is explicit in secret negotiations. Any political operative will tell you that secrecy even amongst political opponents is a primary tool which facilitates compromise and should never be taken lightly.

The second point is the semantic disagreement between the Hindraf leadership and Malaysiakini with regards to the first paragraph of the its news report, 'Hindraf: Talks with Pakatan heading for breakdown'.Hindraf in a text message to Malaysiakini said, "Steven, your 1st para on Hindraf news is misleading. Hindraf never said it would WITHDRAW support for the opposition coalition. I have doubled checked on the written statement of (P) Ramesh, the secretary. Let us not derail the opportunity to work together, please amend accordingly."

I gather this message was also texted to various Pakatan leaders.

I reproduce here the last two paragraphs of the press statement in its entirety to allow readers to judge for themselves if "warning" (a rather provocative description) in lieu of "cautious", is an appropriately neutral/objective description considering the ire Hindraf raises in their adversaries who consider them "racist".

"In the excitement of a general election, Hindraf will advise the Indian marginalised and poor that they should not forget their denied rights and expect magic to happen after the GE just on a regime change. We will advise that we have to analyse how the last 12 GEs have brought changes in our lives. Hindraf has become wary of selfish politicians who use the elections as a tool to excite people and make empty promises for their votes and after having got their votes, forget their promises. Hindraf is not about to let that happen. Promises must be kept. "Hindraf will not waiver from its path of getting for the Indian poor what is their long due right. We will push along this path in spite of the many difficulties along the way. As for the upcoming GE, Hindraf will be cautious in directing the people in how to cast their votes."

Indeed, I agree with the description of the disingenuous nature of certain politicians from Pakatan (and I should add BN) in the press statement.MIC to be blamed

However beyond this semantic mess (depending of course on how one views Hindraf) as a Pakatan and Hindraf supporter, I would like to make my stand clear. Engaging with BN in any way if talks with Pakatan breaks down is an unacceptable option for Hindraf. The reason why there is a large disfranchised segment of the Indian community is because of BN. I do not blame Umno entirely for this sad state of affairs. I blame the MIC. After all, Umno dealt us our race cards and who else is to blame if the hand was played badly. The MCA may be considered by a majority of the Chinese community as outcast but they shepherded the interests of the Chinese community far better and with far more obvious gains than the MIC.

Umno has given no indication to the Indian community that it views them as anything more than expendable votes who are content with the occasional displays of largesse that in no way amounts to the same attention that is given to the other non-Malay community.Systemic discrimination in the legal system and law enforcement has resulted in the perpetuation of the stereotype that Indians are the criminal underclass of Malaysian society, where even deaths in custody becomes political propaganda by the racialists within Pakatan to harangue for support of Pakatan.

If BN is not an option, what then? Hindraf should make it very clear that they reject the racist policies of BN but since Pakatan has no interest in reversing those polices in the context of the Hindraf blueprint, Hindraf will abstain from participating in the upcoming general elections.

Now for some this would not be such a big deal. Hindraf and the Indian community are mocked routinely in the alternative media, so their non-participation would be an insignificant event. Pakatan are convinced they have the Indian vote locked down and so does BN with the publication of numerous polls results crowing the return of the Indian vote to BN, thanks to the 'efforts' of the MIC. Both underestimate the disenfranchised of the Indian community. I have no doubt that Pakatan has locked down the middle class (or at least a significant majority) Indian vote who have drunk deeply from the kool aid well, but who are clueless of the reality Hindraf and the Human Rights Party shine a light on.Why the delay in endorsing blueprint?

Umno, which has always taken the Indian vote for granted, believes that it has done enough for the community to rejoin the fold, but the truth may be far more disastrous for Pakatan than Umno. The great misconception is that the disenfranchised of the Indian community are blind devotees of Hindraf. What people do not seem to understand is that Hindraf works hard for the support it receives. Abstaining from the political process is a very real option for the disenfranchised of the Indian community who have yet to see the practical benefits that Pakatan supporters claim they see under the Pakatan administrations they live under.

Recently Waythamoorthy and journalists from various Tamil language newspapers who were covering him on his fact-finding forays across Indian villages across Selangor were told that they (Indian villagers) would not support BN but they would abstain from voting if they felt their communities needs were not being addressed by Pakatan. These "messages" were of course not reported in the mainstream Tamil press. However, it was very clear to Hindraf that in order for Hindraf to be effective facilitators of change, they would have to offer credible evidence that Pakatan was serious about addressing the concerns of the disenfranchised of the Indian community.I have no idea why Pakatan does not want to drop the multiracial/cultural spin (because I can cite plenty of evidence to the contrary) and engage in some old fashion realpolitik. The perception that this is a Chinese versus Umno election is a meme, which is either willfully ignored or dismissed, in the alternative media. Marginalising a group like Hindraf merely adds to this perception.

Hindraf is accused of being "stubborn". However, has Hindraf not refined its original demands and made a compromise in the form of the blueprint that has been endorsed by like-minded oppositional personalities and groups? Has not Hindraf acknowledged that Anwar Ibrahim as the "prime minister in waiting"? Has not Hindraf publicly said it would campaign for Pakatan with its cadre of committed grassroots activists? Why the delay in endorsing the blueprint? If as some Pakatan leaders have told me that the "demands" are similar to Pakatan's own goals, then why not agree to them in principle in writing or get back to Hindraf who have publicly stated that they would consider whatever amendments that Pakatan feels is necessary?

The answer is simple. Pakatan feels that it does not need Hindraf and they have the Indian vote locked down. The Kampung Buah Pala fiasco may be a non-issue as far Pakatan is concerned, but Waytha has made it clear that he would be willing to debate any Pakatan representative with the goal of establishing another narrative besides the one propagated by Pakatan.Psy blunder may help Umno

Moreover, if Pakatan thinks that the recent Psy games boosted its stock amongst undecided voters, I say think again. The Chinese community may have made their stand and a certain section may be gulping down schadenfreude over Prime Minister Najib Razak's blunder, but anyone with an ounce of political practical understanding would know that the longer this election foreplay drags on, the more likely the ground-level sentiment might change. Take this Umno MP, who gleefully told me that the constant attacks by the "Chinese dominated alternative media" especially about the Psy blunder might actually be working in favour of Umno.Undecided Malay voters, who see that the Najib administration is bending over backwards to accommodate the Chinese community, whether in matters of education (according to the Malay Mail, Najib will attend the Dong Zong open house), religion (the 'Allah' controversy which the DAP relit) and generally pandering to the Chinese community which is mocked as "demeaning", may just get tired of this nonsense and vote Umno.

Concerning Dong Zong, the standards are different. A hardline Chinese education group consorting with an Umno PM is not considered treacherous behaviour but the same does not apply to Indian rights groups. That is fair play for you from Pakatan supporters.

These undecided Malay voters are not Umno stooges like the Pakatan kool-aid drinkers and DAP apparatchiks like to portray them but rather middle-of-the-road types who are appalled by the way how politicians from both sides of the divide behave.

These voters will retreat to their communal cages, especially when they see that the same old race game is played and that their values, be it religious or cultural are constantly mocked. Why switch teams when on the surface the devil you know is showing signs of compromise? This election is going to be one of the most bitterly fought elections in Malaysian history. For Pakatan, up against an Umno state that has stacked the deck, every vote counts. It would be a shame if a significant section of the Indian community abstained from voting or worse voted for Umno because the Pakatan leadership refused to see the big real politick picture.

Woman falls to her death from sixth floor of Times Square

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 — Visitors to the Times Square shopping complex were shocked when a woman fell to her death from the sixth floor of the complex, here, today.

During the 11am incident, Choo Czek Yeng, 36, died at the scene of severe head injuries.

Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zainuddin Ahmad said police were informed of the incident at 11.25am and have classified the case as sudden death.

"The body of the victim was sent to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for post-mortem," he told Bernama via a short message service (SMS).

A witness (man) who did not want to be named said at about 10am, he saw the woman leaning on to the panel railing of the six floor. — Bernama http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/woman-falls-to-her-death-from-sixth-floor-of-times-square

One of our fave plant in the garden is the grapevine. At one year old, the vines are climbing up our patio and across the balcony. The plant bears no fruit yet, but hopefully someday it will.

Early last month, while Azman was trimming the vines in our garden, he spotted a cute little grey bird sitting quietly among the branches. When he looked closely, in fact the bird has built a small nest that barely enough to shelter its whole body.

The bird is almost glued to its nest. She hardly budges even when come close, so we understand that she is a Mommy bird, sitting on her eggs, keeping them warm until they hatch. Azman recognizes her as a Merbuk, a small singing bird that can be trained as a loyal pet and even "sings" in competitions.

I love her immediately!

It warms my heart just watching her and her eggs in her nest of twigs. I feel happy and blessed in a way that I can't explain, in fact I want to thank the pretty birdie for choosing my garden as her home. It is such an honour!

A week later Azman went up to the balcony, peered down with his camera and get this pic. Isn't that a baby bird, so freshly hatched from the egg that it hasn't grown much feather yet? I think there are two tiny little babies. This is so delightful!

Sometimes when it rains heavily outside I think about Mommy bird and her babies and prays for their safety. Every morning before work and school, Azman, Miki and I would go and visit them just to see if they were still there, our precious tiny guests of the garden.

Miki is quite fascinated with the birds too but he is too short too see them even when he stands on a stool.

Yesterday, from inside my house I saw fluttering movements on the grapevine at the patio. As we watched closer, we saw the babies are so big already! Look at how cute they are! Those black eyes and tiny beaks, those perfect wings…

I guess they will are learning how to fly already…

I guess soon they will leave.

I am so sad! Please birdies don't leave!

Actually this is not the first time birds make nests in our garden. We have a grove of red palm tree at a corner in the garden and it has been providing a cosy and safe habitat for birds for as long as I can remember. There are times when I can spot up to 3 or 4 bird nests high up among the leaves. Once, a perfect nest shaped like a vessel was found just 3 feet off the ground, but there was no eggs or birds in it, the wind must have blown it down.

My tiny Mommy Merbuk and babies however, is the first to make a nest on our grapevine, approximately 9-10 feet from the ground, low enough for us to take a peek at what's going on. And having me falling in love with them in the process.

My Chinese friends say my house has "ong"! I just thought that we are lucky to have a house and garden that is cosy and safe enough for the birds to call their home. I hope Mommy Merbuk and her babies will come back to my grapevine again… I miss them already.

(Gatestone Institute) Muslim plans to convert a former Lutheran church in the city of Hamburg into a mosque is generating controversy across Germany. From Berlin to Dortmund to Mönchengladbach, the gradual proliferation of mosques housed in former churches reflects the rise of Islam as the fastest growing religion in post-Christian Germany. In the most recent case, the church would be the first converted into a mosque in the second-largest city in Germany.

The latest dust-up involves the former Kapernaumkirche (Capernaum Church), located in the Horn district in downtown Hamburg. The church, a cultural heritage site, was abandoned in 2002 for financial reasons due to declining membership. The building and an adjacent 44 meter (144 foot) tower/steeple as well as the surrounding land was sold in December 2012 to the Al-Nour Islamic Center, which has approximately 600 members, mainly made up of Arab Muslim immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa.

The church is currently undergoing renovations at a cost of one million euros ($1.4 million) and is scheduled to be reopened as a mosque on October 3, the Day of German Unity [Tag der Deutschen Einheit], a public holiday commemorating the anniversary of German reunification in 1990. Muslims in Germany have also claimed October 3 as Open Mosque Day [Tag der offenen Moschee], a day when non-Muslims are allowed to visit mosques.

Marcus Weinberg, the leader of the Christian Democratic Party (CDU) in Hamburg, said: "I am opposed to this. Even if the transaction is legally permissible, the conversion of a former church into a mosque will do little to improve cultural and religious coexistence in the area." He has appealed to city officials to meet with the Al-Nour Center to discuss "attractive building alternatives."

Helge Adolphsen, the former senior pastor of St. Michael's Church, the most iconic church in Hamburg, said: "This is the breaking of a dam." Hat tip: Eye On The WorldMore...